Homeward Bound

The newest ship in the Brazilian Navy’s fleet has embarked on a journey of more than 10,000 miles to Brazil. ARAGUARI is the third of three AMAZONAS Class ocean patrol vessels delivered to the Brazilian Navy by BAE Systems. On arrival, she will join her sister ships AMAZONAS and APA to provide maritime security, as well as being able to support humanitarian relief and search-and-rescue operations.

ARAGUARI's departure

Watch the moment that ARAGUARI departed HM Naval Base Portsmouth into the high winds on the open sea.

We are so proud to take part in this important project for the Brazilian Navy. Being in the UK has been a very friendly experience and I hope this project is the start of a long term relationship between BAE Systems and the Brazilian Navy.

Captain Giancarllo Vilas Boas, Head of the Brazilian Navy Support Team

The success of this programme is testament to the strong relationship between BAE Systems and the Brazilian Navy as we worked in partnership to deliver these formidable ships. ARAGUARI performed incredibly well through sea trials so we are immensely proud to see her sailing with her first crew.We’ve welcomed more than 250 members of the Brazilian Navy to the UK during this partnership and are delighted to play such an important role in growing Brazil’s naval capabilities.

Nigel Stewart, Commercial Director at BAE Systems Maritime

The story of the AMAZONAS Cla...

The AMAZONAS Class is ready for duty

Following the ship’s handover in June, ARAGUARI’s 80 crew members completed the Royal Navy’s prestigious Flag Officer Sea Training, with the support of a team from BAE Systems, to prepare them for the journey and the operations they will perform in Brazil.

ARAGUARI's two sister ships, AMAZONAS and APA, were delivered by BAE Systems last year and have already begun operations in Brazil. They have recently played an important role in the security operation for the visit to Brazil by Pope Francis.

The contract for the supply of the three ocean patrol vessels and ancillary support services also includes a manufacturing licence to enable further vessels of the same class to be constructed in Brazil, helping to support the country’s naval re-equipment programme and strengthen its maritime industrial capability.

The 90 metre Amazonas Class ships are based on the design of the Royal Navy’s River Class Offshore Patrol Vessels and are ideal for providing maritime security in Brazil’s territorial waters, including the protection of the country’s oil and gas platforms.

The ships are equipped with a 30mm cannon and two 25mm guns, as well as two rigid inflatable boats and a helicopter flight deck. The ship contains additional accommodation for 40, designed for use by a boarding party of troops or passengers such as evacuees.

APA and ARAGUARI were constructed at BAE Systems’ Scotstoun shipyard and were completed in Portsmouth, while AMAZONAS was constructed in Portsmouth.